The construction industry has seen a sharp increase in jobsite theft over the past two years. At the height of the pandemic, crews were forced to abandon projects in progress, leaving behind empty jobsites that became a prime target for theft. Additionally, the supply chain disruptions present today have sent material prices through the roof. These compounding problems are proving to be an even greater incentive to thieves.Today the National Equipment Register estimates that jobsite theft costs the industry upwards of $1 billion every year.
And despite security measures such as geofencing, equipment tracking sensors, and increased lighting, firms are still falling victim to theft. Traditional security cameras can also be problematic, as motion sensors that trigger a police response can result in false alarms, frustrating local authorities and potentially driving costs up.
To address this critical issue, TrueLook recently introduced Jobsite Surveillance, a game-changing addition to its Intelligent Security offering. Jobsite Surveillance protects job sites by identifying perpetrators in real-time, verifying threats, and contacting law enforcement to stop criminals in the act. In a recent interview, TrueLook COO Roger Yarrow provided some insight into the new feature and explained why it’s an essential capability for the modern jobsite.*
Q. Why did TrueLook add Jobsite Surveillance to its Intelligent Security offering?
The industry has been plagued with theft and rising material costs and this has made it even more difficult to keep a project on time and on budget. Additionally, project managers are busier than ever with multiple jobsites to montior. Jobsite Surveillance is the solution, it provides an added layer of security on the jobsite and reduces the ask of the project manager.
Q. How does Jobsite Surveillance detect incidents on the jobsite?
Utilizing TrueLooks’s Intelligent Motion Alerts customers set the hours and areas of their jobsite they want to be monitored, giving them total control. If motion is detected in those zones during monitored hours, it will send a clip of that motion to a trained monitoring agent for review. If the agent verifies the threat, customers will receive an SMS notification giving them the option to request emergency dispatch or dismiss the alert. If they request emergency services, the agent will contact dispatchers with a description of the threat in progress. If no response is received, the agent will contact dispatchers.
Q. How does Jobsite Surveillance verify threats on the jobsite?
TrueLook has taken security to the next level by adding the human element. When a camera detects activity, that information is sent to a trained monitoring agent at a 5-star “diamond” monitoring center who will verify the threat and ensure the proper action is taken.
Q. What does the notification process look like for customers?
If a threat is verified, the customer will receive an SMS notification – usually within a minute. Within that notification, the customer will have the opportunity to review the threat and choose whether they would like to have emergency services dispatched or dismiss the alert. If emergency services are requested, the monitoring agent will contact the proper emergency services, whether that be fire rescue or police. They will also provide dispatchers with a description of the threat in progress to facilitate the quickest response time.
If the customer does not respond within a set amount of time, the monitoring agent will automatically contact emergency dispatchers. We put this backup process in place, as we understand that not everyone can be attached to their phones at all times. With this added protection in place, our customers don’t need to worry about missing a motion alert. True peace of mind is what Jobsite Surveillance offers our customers.
Q. What challenges does Jobsite Surveillance solve for customers?
In addition to providing our customers added peace of mind, knowing that their jobsites are always protected by a trained monitoring professional – Jobsite Surveillance eliminates false alarms. False alarms are annoying to everyone involved. Customers do not want to be alerted when an animal or trash blows through their jobsite. With the human verification piece of Jobsite Surveillance, we only notify customers when there’s a real threat in progress.
Q. How can customers learn more about Jobsite Surveillance?
All TrueLook’s customers with a 4K IR camera are eligible to take advantage of this new optional service. You can get additional information and request a follow-up from our team here.
* The interview has been edited and condensed for the purpose of this article. Listen to the full interview here.
